NREL in Golden, Colorado, is the nation's primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The National Bioenergy Center supports the science and technology goals of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Biomass Program. The focus of the center is the advancement of technology for producing liquid fuels from biomass.
The successful postdoctoral candidate will use quantum mechanical calculations to design catalysts for both biomass deconstruction and upgrading of organic biomass derived intermediates to fuels. This research effort is central to the conversion of the plant cell wall into fuels and chemicals. An experimental program will support this work in which catalysts designed in silico will be tested in the laboratory. The metrics for this position include generation of new catalyst architectures and authorship of peer-reviewed publications.
Candidates with familiarity with quantum mechanical calculations (e.g., VASP, DACAPO, Q-CHEM, NWChem, Gaussian, etc.), transition state search algorithms, experience with metals in quantum mechanical calculations and understanding of heterogeneous catalysis are encouraged to apply.
An effective candidate will be able to communicate scientific results effectively, both written and oral formats, and have demonstrated the ability to work effectively in a large, multidisciplinary team of engineers, chemists, and biologists.
I have included a link to the NREL postdoctorial job posting.
